Eternal Civilization: A Chronicle of Salvaging Cultural Relics from the Three Gorges

Author: Xu Guangji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: On June 1, 2003, the Three Gorges Dam Project began its second phase of water storage, with the water level rising to 155 meters. Subsequently, the dual-line five-level ship lock was put into operation. Shortly after, the first batch of large-scale power-generating units was connected to the grid, marking the phased achievement of the Three Gorges Project's three major goals: flood control, power generation, and navigation. This was a milestone in the construction of the Three Gorges Project, attracting worldwide attention. The land in the reservoir area below the 135-meter water level during the second phase of water storage will be submerged. The cultural heritage preservation project for this stage had already been completed by late April 2003, in accordance with planning requirements, and passed inspection. The cultural heritage archaeologists, relevant disciplines, and engineering personnel involved in the preservation project, with the support and active cooperation of relevant departments, have made significant achievements over the 10 years from the planning to the implementation stage (1993–2003), also drawing global attention. The Three Gorges region is renowned for its rich cultural landscapes. After the Three Gorges Dam is completed, the water level will rise to 175 meters, inevitably submerging many cultural relics. To protect these ancient civilizations, the state established a specialized expert group for cultural heritage rescue and preservation, launching large-scale preservation efforts in the Three Gorges reservoir area. Mr. Xu Guangji, the editor-in-chief of this book, is a member of this expert group. This project officially kicked off in 1993 and has spanned 10 years. During this period, nearly all the country's cultural heritage archaeology and related disciplines were mobilized, with nearly 100 universities, archaeology and cultural heritage research institutions, thousands of professionals, and tens of thousands of workers participating. This made the Three Gorges reservoir area the largest cultural heritage preservation site in the country. Over the past decade, what cultural relics have been protected? What major archaeological discoveries have been made? This book selects 34 key preservation projects, including the relocation and reconstruction of Zhang Fei Temple, the protection of Shibao Pagoda, the relocation and reconstruction of Da Chang Ancient City, and the excavation and preservation of some underground cultural relics, etc. The authors are all experts working on the front lines of this project, with firsthand information and up-to-date insights, ensuring the scientific and academic rigor of the articles. Over 200 exquisite illustrations enhance the on-site experience and collectible value. In June 2003, the second phase of water storage for the Three Gorges Project began, with the Yangtze River water level rising to 135 meters. Some cultural relics have already been permanently submerged, making this book even more valuable for preservation.